Water heater runs but hot water smells metallic or rusty

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Ensure water is safe to use; if in doubt, do not drink or cook with it until the issue is resolved.

Flush system: Run hot water for several minutes to see if discoloration clears.
Inspect tank (storage models): Check for signs of external corrosion or leaks. If the tank is corroded internally, replacement is usually required.
Check anode rod: On models with an anode, inspect and replace the sacrificial anode if heavily consumed.
Pipework inspection: Have a plumber inspect old galvanized pipes that may be contributing rust.

Warning: Severely corroded tanks can fail suddenly; replace before a major leak occurs.